John Kuszmaul, farmer, Malone Township, Tazewell County, was born in St. Louis, Mo., January 18, 1847, the son of Frederick and Mary (Haggey) Kuszmaul, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. Frederick Kuszmaul, the father, was born April 26, 1810, the son of Martin Kuszmaul, and came to the United States in 1834, living for a time in Baltimore, Md., but later removed to Ohio, whence he came to Illinois, settling four miles north of Delavan, Tazewell County. He was a farmer and a stonemason by occupation and in 1883 came to live with his son, John. He died August 28, 1886, his wife dying June 27, 1852.

John Kuszmaul came to Tazewell County in 1858, but obtained most of his schooling in St. Louis. He began his business career as a farmer in 1868, and now owns 125 acres of excellent land in Malone Township, as well as a 400-acre tract in Mississippi. During the course of his long and active life in Malone Township, he has filled the office of Supervisor two years, that of Road Commissioner six years, School Director twelve years and School Trustee nine years. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and in his political views a Democrat.

On January 18, 1871, Mr. KuzrnauI was married in Peoria, Ill., to Miss Irena Stretmiller, who was born August 10, 1851, the daughter of Charles and Caroline Stretmiller, and of this union there were seven children, viz.: Mary (wife of Jacob Sungle), John, Frederick Windle, Charles, Louis, Carrie (died March 5, 1876) and Millie, who died January 22. 1895.

Charles and Caroline Stretmiller, parents of Mrs. Kuszmaul, came from Baden, Germany, to New Orleans in 1850, making the journey by a Mississippi River steamer to St. Louis, and in 1855, removed to Peoria, where the father was engaged as a carpenter until his death in 1869. Mrs. Stretmiller is still living, and resides with her son in Malone Township.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1035